Description of Native Shrubs 
168. Bayberry. Wax-myrtle. (Myrica cerifera.) 
LEAF: 1%'-3', simple, alternate, entire or slightly serrate tow- 
ard apex, oblong-elliptical, base narrowed, glossy, fragrant when 
bruised. FLOWER: much as in 167, but after the leaves; May; 
seeds in globular, berry-like cones, abundant, coated with white 
wax, remaining through winter. Sandy soil near sea-coast, and 
on Lake Erie. (PI. 1X.) 
169. Sweet-fern. (Myrica asplenifolia.) 
LEAF: 3-6’, simple, alternate, many-lobed, very ncrrow, 
fragrant when bruised. FLOWER: staminate in cylindrical, 
pistillate in globular, catkins ; no calyx nor corolla; April, May, 
before leaves. In poor soil, often in large masses; 1°-2° high. 
(PL FX.) 
170. Low Birch. (Betula pumila.) 
LeaF: %'-11%4’, simple, alternate, roundish-toothed, broad- 
oval or obovate, thickish, young branchesand leaves beneath soft, 
hairy. FLOWER: staminate in pendent, pistillate in erect, catkins, 
both %’ to 3’ long, 2-3 blossoms under each bract; in early 
spring, before or with leaves, Mountains of New England, also 
in Connecticut, New Jersey, and west; 2°-8° high. (Pl. IX.) 
171. Speckled Alder. Hoary Alder. (Alnus incana.) 
LEAF: 2’-4’, simple, alternate, serrate (finely, and often also 
coarsely), roundish or ovate, base rounded, slightly cordate, or 
pointed, whitish and downy beneath, a little thickish. FLOWER : 
staminate in slender pendent catkins, 2'-3' long, pistillate in thick, 
oval catkins, about %’ long, catkins of both sorts 3-5 clustered ; 
March, April, before leaves; fruit in short cones. Massachu- 
setts, west and north, in damp soil ; 8°-20° high. 
172. Smooth Alder. (Alnus serulata.) 
LEAF: asin 171, but green both sides, base sharp, generally 
smooth. FLOWER: asin 171. Massachusetts, west and south; 
5°-15° high. (Pl. IX.) 
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